By Precious Mark
The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has raised a record $2 billion syndicated loan, after attracting strong support from international lenders, in a move expected to accelerate infrastructure development, industrialisation and job creation across Africa.
Originally launched at $1.6 billion, the financing was upsized to $2 billion following strong investor demand, a development announced in London on Thursday, underscoring growing confidence in AFC’s infrastructure-led development model.
The financing drew participation from banks across four regions, with Asia Pacific and Europe each accounting for 35% of commitments, while the Middle East contributed 25% and Africa accounted for 5% , reflecting broad international backing despite heightened geopolitical tensions and volatility in global financial markets.
According to AFC, the record financing will significantly strengthen its capacity to scale investments in critical sectors including energy, transportation, logistics, industry and technology, helping to drive trade, economic growth and employment opportunities across the continent.
Samaila Zubairu, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), said the transaction reflects growing global recognition of infrastructure as a key driver of Africa’s next phase of economic growth, adding that AFC has strategically positioned itself at the centre of the continent’s economic transformation by building interconnected infrastructure platforms designed to support industrialisation and strengthen long-term competitiveness.
“This transaction reflects growing recognition that Africa’s next phase of growth will be driven not by isolated projects, but by integrated infrastructure systems that connect energy, transport, logistics, industry and technology,” Zubairu said.
“As global capital seeks resilient long-term growth opportunities, AFC has positioned itself at the centre of Africa’s transformation by developing the platforms and ecosystems that convert infrastructure into industrialisation, jobs and economic competitiveness,” he added.
The announcement comes amid a period of rapid growth for AFC. The corporation disclosed that its total assets have now surpassed a record $19 billion, while its membership base has expanded to 48 African countries, strengthening its footprint across the continent.
AFC also recently announced plans to establish its first regional office outside Lagos in Nairobi, a move aimed at deepening engagement with governments, investors and development partners across East Africa.
The corporation said the new facility will complement efforts to unlock larger pools of African institutional funding, particularly pension funds, for priority infrastructure projects as outlined in its State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report 2026.
The deal further reinforces AFC’s strong financial standing. This year, the corporation secured an ‘A’/A-1 credit rating with a Positive Outlook from S&P Global Ratings, building on its long-standing A3 rating from Moody’s Investors Service and A+ rating from the Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR).
Commenting on the milestone, Banji Fehintola, AFC Executive Board Member and Head of Financial Services, described the transaction as a significant vote of confidence in the institution’s strategy and financial strength.
“Closing AFC’s largest-ever syndicated loan facility in a complex global environment is a defining milestone, one that reflects the unwavering confidence our lending partners place in AFC’s credit strength, strategic relevance and execution capabilities,” Fehintola said.
He added that the broad participation from global financial institutions demonstrates sustained investor confidence in AFC’s ability to deliver transformative infrastructure and industrial projects with lasting economic impact across Africa.
The debt facility was led by Barclays, Commerzbank, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC and FirstRand Bank through its Rand Merchant Bank division, alongside a consortium of leading lenders from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.